A heck of an ending to a little YA trilogy that pulled no punches and spared no feelings. Honestly, I'm not sure how to write this review as I'm feeliA heck of an ending to a little YA trilogy that pulled no punches and spared no feelings. Honestly, I'm not sure how to write this review as I'm feeling a bit wrung out. I'm not sure I expected the ending to go this hard.
There's a plot afoot, and it actually does a fair bit at plotting. There might be holes in it, but honestly, I was so wrapped up in the characters by this point that I didn't even notice them. About the only thing I'm still curious about are where are all the fing adults? ...more
This book quickly became something I couldn't wait to pick back up, and I'm not even totally sure why that is because this plot? ... This plot still hThis book quickly became something I couldn't wait to pick back up, and I'm not even totally sure why that is because this plot? ... This plot still has a lot of holes, but these characters have wormed their way into my heart, and I am at my core, a character loving reader. The question gets asked a lot whether you read for plot or for character, and now I can point to this series and say character. I mean, I always knew, but if I can devour a crappy YA plot and want more? That's not at all like me. My YA buddy readers can attest.
So the characters. Lee sur Pallor. My sweet baby angel Lee. I love him. He's got a few dumb moments in this one, but I'll forgive him because boys are dumb. ...more
It's not creepy like Thrum, but still... very interesting. Weirdly since I'm a non horror kid, I kind of wish the psychology horror part of this had bIt's not creepy like Thrum, but still... very interesting. Weirdly since I'm a non horror kid, I kind of wish the psychology horror part of this had been a bit more dialed up. Instead, this time, the romance is a bit more prominent. Potato. Potahto. I like both things, so this still really worked for me.
If I had any nitpick, I almost felt like this one could have been a longer book in order to get more of those psychological mindfck moments out. It's always a tricky balance to novellas. Too many times when I enjoy them, I feel like they could be even greater with more time to capture things.
I also thought the team dynamic on landing was kinda weird, but no spoilers, so ...more
Hmm, that was... not what I thought it was going to be and not what I expected. Morgan is My Name is called a feminist retelling of the story of MorgaHmm, that was... not what I thought it was going to be and not what I expected. Morgan is My Name is called a feminist retelling of the story of Morgan Le Fay from King Arthur's story, and while it is, I didn't expect it to also be such a high middle ages courtly romance. It's very light and airy when what I was hoping for was a bit more angry and feminine rage. Alas, that's my current mood, and so that's the mood of things I want to read. Yet, this is the beginning of the story, and I have hopes yet for book 2, with where we ended here.
I did enjoy the character of Morgan. She's a fiery hellcat of a girl who grows up into a woman desiring to have her way. Unfortunately, the men in her life have something different to say about this. I love that she maintained her sense of self even though the ability to live her life her way was lost to her.
I think the pacing was the hardest part for me with this book. There's just a decided lack of tension through the middle, and it left me... not bored as it's well written, and I like the characters, but definitely wondering when it would pick up again. it does at the end, and it ends on a high, but I do wish more had happened in the middle of the book. I wasn't in danger of dnfing, but it was easy to set down and go to bed.
There's also an interesting romance that lead to some of the best written moments in the book. Who doesn't want their heart to go pitter pat at things like "if you are unholy then I am damned along with you" and "if nothing else, you can look at it and remember it wasn't for lack of love. I would do anything to be all that you need." ...more
it's always hard to write a review for a book when the ending packs such a punch because goodness I want nothing more than to go grab book 2. Alas, a it's always hard to write a review for a book when the ending packs such a punch because goodness I want nothing more than to go grab book 2. Alas, a review can not just be about the ending.
I've heard people say this book is what Fourth Wing should be (obviously those people not being Fourth Wing lovers), and I disagree. This book serves a very different purpose than Fourth Wing, so don't get mixed up about what you're going to read. This is more Hunger Games with dragons in that it's 16/17 year olds being forced to grow up too fast and governments being awful. You could argue that's what Fourth Wing is too (slightly aged up), but I'd disagree and I like that book.
Also, a heccin lot of awkward teenage moments. I get it. They're 16/17, and they read that way, which is a good thing. Don't get me wrong. They literally read the way they should for a YA, but as a 40 year old woman? Definitely so many eye roll moments. On the plus side, something I can recommend to my niece.
My other biggest struggle with this book is some definite gaps in the world building. Again, things that I, as an adult reader, probably peer to closely and think too critically about. It's something you'll want to be able to shut your brain down to and just be able to vibe along with which I was able to do; just don't ask me to talk about it in depth without sarcasm.
Annie and Lee. Our FMC and MMC, respectively. Hands down, I love Lee. My little trauma childhood turns into loyal, fierce, protective, good person kink is still going strong. Annie, well... I'm cautiously on the fence about her. I can't really say more without spoilers.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. While reading, it was easy to vibe through the plot holes/world building questions I had with my buddy read friends, although some moments still caught some definite eye rolls. It's well paced, has good action, and some strong emotional moments. And that ending. Man. It's hard to be upset at a book that ends with a punch like that....more
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